Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:14 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the dates on which she received the audited accounts for Carysfort College for each of the years 1985, 1986 and 1987.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carysfort College Accounts.
The audited accounts for Carysfort College were "signed off" by the auditors on the following dates, and subsequently submitted to my Department by the college authorities: 1985, 29 September 1986; 1986, 17 August 1988; 1987, 17 August 1988.
As I am sure the Minister is aware, the purpose of the question is to try to find out what precisely happened to the £800,000 of State funds given to the college which as the Comptroller and Auditor General has pointed out, were not accounted for. Can the Minister tell us what the current position is on that matter? On 12 February, she indicated that the matter was under investigation. Can she now indicate if that investigation has been completed and if legal proceedings are pending as a result of the investigation?
It is my information that the investigation has not been completed. As the Deputy is aware, this matter was highlighted in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and is currently being considered by the Department's legal advisers. That is still the position.
May I ask the Minister therefore when the Department's legal advisers are likely to complete their investigation given that we are dealing here with taxpayers' moneys which have not been accounted for? There may well be legitimate reasons for the apparent anomaly which exists but the House is entitled to know as soon as possible just what is going on.
That may well be so. The matter is still under consideration. I have asked my Department to inquire as to when it is likely we will receive the legal advice, and I hope to receive it shortly.